Keir Starmer is set to convene with his top ministers during a Cabinet session today amidst the ongoing Peter Mandelson controversy that has reemerged as a concern for the Government.
Recently disclosed extensive files have brought to light critical remarks made by the disgraced former US Ambassador, Peter Mandelson, who described Starmer’s No10 as “beleaguered and bereft” and criticized the Prime Minister for lacking vitality. Within these over 1,000 pages of documents, key Starmer supporter Pat McFadden expressed frustration with Labour colleagues in his communications with Lord Mandelson.
Attention is now focused on McFadden, the Secretary for Work and Pensions, as he participates in the Cabinet gathering at Downing Street. In his messages to Lord Mandelson, McFadden voiced worries about the PM’s standing during a previous dispute over benefit cuts, mentioning, “Lot of maneuvering here this week. Angela, Gordon. Doesn’t feel good for Keir.”
McFadden, who is evaluating potential benefit reforms later this year, also raised concerns about Labour MPs proposing tax hikes to finance benefits, stating that they were asking the wrong questions and focusing on taxing individuals rather than promoting opportunity.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Paymaster General and a Minister at the Cabinet Office, came to McFadden’s defense, describing him as a dedicated and consistent minister with well-known views on social security and welfare. Thomas-Symonds emphasized McFadden’s belief that the debate should revolve around creating opportunities rather than just focusing on benefits.
In a separate development, Thomas-Symonds addressed inquiries about his phone being stolen, resulting in his messages being absent from the Mandelson files. He recounted the incident where his phone was taken by three individuals on mopeds on his wife’s birthday, calling it a “nightmare.”
Additionally, the PM’s former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, encountered scrutiny after his WhatsApp messages could not be recovered due to a stolen phone.
Starmer had parted ways with Lord Mandelson in September 2025 following growing demands for his dismissal after leaked emails revealed his supportive messages to Jeffrey Epstein during the latter’s legal troubles.
MPs had previously voted to release documents related to Mandelson’s tenure as ambassador, with discussions on the second batch of files scheduled for Wednesday.
Labour MPs were described as feeling dejected on Monday, with one backbencher characterizing the atmosphere as somber, expressing frustration over calls for unity while internal criticisms from Cabinet members were publicly visible.
Against the backdrop of an unofficial leadership contest, Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting are competing to succeed Starmer. Burnham, aiming to return as an MP in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, seized on the Mandelson files to highlight concerns about public confidence in the political system.
Stay updated on the latest developments in the Mandelson files by following our live blog [here](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/peter-mandelson-files-starmer-live-37229974).